Maggie, nine years ago I bought the totally untested Thermador Freedom Series Columns. I picked them over the SubZero because they were the first to lift the interior and get rid of the ventilation panel overhead -- something I really hated about the old built-ins, but it also meant the bottom drawer wasn't nearly on the ground and in the freezer the ice was at a convenient height (had two kids in marching band -- we went through at least 2-3 gallons of ice every day during marcing season. Nine trouble free years later, I have no hesitation recommending Thermador (which includes Bosch, Miele and Gaggenau). And I got one of the first ones -- before the bugs were worked out. SubZero is the other top name for full size built in refrigeration with KA being a not to distant 2nd (but chek the opening of the drawers - required a more than 90 deggree open door back then - don't know if it's better now). For undercounter, it's SubZero, Perlick and maybe Uline.

I had a height problem with my new refrigerator. It fit the standard 36” wide cutout in the cabinetry, but the raised hinges on the newer refrigerator would not allow the cabinet doors above to open. The best solution would be getting or making a new bridge cabinet above the frige, and then cutting the existing matching cabinets doors to a shorter hieght. Quite a chore. Instead I just removed the cabinet hinge mounting screw and now use the doors as simply removable panels. Problem solved the lazy mans way.

I agree with all the drywall comments and that's pretty easy to change to something thinner. You probably have 1/2" or 5/8" there now and can gain at least 1/4", maybe 1/2" if going from 5/8" to masonite or a thin skin (can't remember the name of what I'm thinking of right now) without touching the studs. Instead of replacing the studs with smaller ones, if the wall is not load bearing, you can turn the studs so that you get the 2" side going towards the fridge and the 4" side running the length of the wall. Electrical lines can be run through the narrower space with shallow boxes, but you could have an issue if there is plumbing or anything larger in that space. Do be careful that you have proper ventilation space and can remove the fridge for service or other reasons. If the fridge dies an early death, you have a fire or a flood the fridge will not have been a good deal for you.

Oh, I am so sorry that you are going through this but I can so relate! Doesn't it feel like it will never end? You poor thing! I hope you treat yourself to a nice day at the spa and get pampered. I also hope you are finished soon. There is nothing worse than having your house torn up and strangers in and out making a mess!